Here
★★★★
If you’re a skeptic, like I was, Here might catch you by surprise. When I first saw the trailer, my reaction was somewhere between "Wait, really?" and "How’s this going to work?"—but this is Robert Zemeckis we’re talking about. He's never shied away from pushing technological boundaries in film, and here he delivers something that’s surprisingly… heartfelt. Known for his love of tech experimentation, Zemeckis sometimes sacrifices story for spectacle. But Here is a rare moment where his tech fascination aligns beautifully with the narrative. It’s as if Zemeckis finally figured out how to use his favorite toys without losing the soul of the story.
The plot centers on Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, who are de-aged to play different eras of their characters' lives. At first, I expected this digital de-aging to pull me out of the story, but surprisingly, it doesn’t. You forget about the tech and focus on the emotions—well, at least when it comes to the actors. There are a few questionable CGI animals that feel like they wandered in from a low-budget video game, but you can forgive that oversight when the rest is so thoughtfully crafted.
What makes Here intriguing is its delicate approach to the idea of home and the memories we attach to it. The plot is more like a snapshot of everyday life than a traditional story, and while it may not be groundbreakingly original, it’s oddly moving. Zemeckis creates an “art house” vibe that still feels accessible to a mainstream audience. Sure, it might not be the kind of movie that sticks with you forever, but it does get you thinking: How do the places we live in shape us? And how much meaning can a building really hold?
If you’re on the fence, I’d say take the leap. Here is one of those films that feels innovative yet nostalgic—a cinematic postcard that reminds us of the little moments that make life meaningful. You may not remember every detail a year from now, but for a couple of hours, Here takes you somewhere worth going.
